Can't get an edge on this S&W knife!

Assumption is you are successfully Free-handing with this knife an exception? That concave looks challenging, 7Cr steel not so much unless factory screwed the pooch on HT. Often, the advise is to get to some at fresh steel by resharpening.
 
I've tried a tungsten V shaped notch sharpener, files, stone, Dremel, it just won't get sharp at all, I mean worthless!
 
KANMBAR said:
Just got a Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops (SWA12) folding knife at an estate sale, it just needed some sharpening... Well, that has become an impossible task! Why can't I get so much as a half way decent edge on this thing???

Another post mentioned 7cr. If that is the case, it shouldn’t be hard to sharpen at all. I had an old S&W SWAT about 12 years ago and that thing would take a nice keen edge with a diamond stone but wouldn’t hold it very long at all. Make sure you are sharpening at the correct angle and try not to press down too hard. It should easily take a nice keen edge.
Click to expand...
 
KANMBAR said:
I've tried a tungsten V shaped notch sharpener, files, stone, Dremel, it just won't get sharp at all, I mean worthless!
Click to expand...

Most of those tools you mentioned can really tear up an edge; depending upon how the tool is used. It's possible that your edge is a bit out of whack now. It might require some reconditioning.

That edge looks very challenging because it's essentially all curve. What's worse is, something like 60% of it is recurved. Which means that you need to use the corner of a bench stone, or a very thin profiled stone, in order to touch the inside of the curve. Otherwise, you'll just be grinding away at the back bevel without ever reaching the edge.

When you transition to the outward curve portion (nearer to the tip) it will be easier, but you'll still have to use the standard methods for sharpening though the curve, or you'll end up with very little of that outward curved portion being sharp either.

Someone who's very experienced can probably do this without a lot of trouble. If you are a beginner at sharpening, this is absolutely the wrong blade type to start with. Certainly an advanced task.

Good luck sir.

Brian.
 
Thanks, and yes, definitely a newbie here, lol. Had no idea that a curved edge would be such a pain to sharpen. I no doubt have messed it up pretty good by now, oh well, only paid $5. Such a nice knife otherwise, but hey, it's a KNIFE :confused:, and as it is I won't even use it to cut bait... 'cause it can't!

Btw, my good 'ol tungsten V shaped notch sharpener does get my kitchen knives real nice and sharp though.
 
These knives have softer steel but still can be sharpened to razor sharp.Use the stone and get a burr first,then take it off.These knives have thick grinds out of factory and have to be thinned down
 
Hate to be a sharpening snob, but I would ditch that pull-through sharpener. Those things are notorious for messing up edges. I wouldn't use that on any knife I own regardless of price point. If you're getting into the knife hobby, whether it's collection or just some user-knives, I would encourage you to invest some money in a better sharpening set up. If you end up going that route, many of us on here can try to point you in the right direction depending on your budget, etc.
 
When sharpening a recurve like that very narrow stones are the way to go.
Spyderco Sharpmaker rods are what I use on most recurves.
 
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